The NYPD is planning a more robust counterterrorism deployment than normal for this Sunday’s marathon, but said there are no credible threats related to the event.
Officials pointed to an increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes amid the Israel-Hamas war as the reason for the heightened measures.
“All of the runners and all of their belongings are going to be screened at the beginning of the race,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner said at a press briefing this week. “There will be mobile response teams in every borough who are ready to investigate tips or respond to any incidents as needed.”
Weiner said deployment will include heavy weapons teams, plainclothes officers, canines, explosive detection canines, along with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive detection teams.
Weiner is also warning drone users to stay away.
“The NYPD has a zero tolerance policy for unauthorized persons who are operating drones,” she said. “The operating and flying of drones, unless you are specifically permitted and authorized to do so, remains strictly prohibited in New York City.”
The NYPD is also closing nearly a hundred streets in all five boroughs along the 26-mile course. Many of the city's bridges will also be closed including the Verrazzano, the southbound Pulaski Bridge, and the eastbound Queensboro Bridge, including the pedestrian and bike path. To and from the Bronx, the Willis Avenue and Madison Avenue Bridges will also be closed.
The MTA is planning increased train service to the start line for runners, and from the finish line for runners and spectators. Heavy crowds are expected at 1 train stations at 72nd Street, 66th Street and 59th Street in Manhattan.
Pro-Palestinian groups are planning protests at several points along the marathon route, according to fliers reviewed by Gothamist, but protests in the city related to the Israel-Hamas war have been largely peaceful so far.
A full list of street closures can be found here.
